Health store Holland & Barrett has been selling cannabis oil for the past four weeks and sales have surged.

In the UK, cannabis oil sales have doubled over the past 12 months and Holland & Barrett have added to this frenzy, being the first high street store to stock it.

According to the Cannabis Trades Association UK the number of cannabidiol (CBD) users has gone from 125,000 12 months ago to 250,000 now, The Mirror reports.

Although it is categorised as cannabis oil, the CBD oil that Holland & Barrett sells does not produce a high, as it has less than 0.2% of the psychoactive ­tetra­­­hydro­­cannabinol, so it is legal in the UK.

CBD (cannabidiol) is an active substance found in hemp oil, extracted from the leaves and flowers of industrial hemp variety. It is perfectly legal and safe to use. CBD has no side effects and is not addictive.

Read More

The oil is used to ease the symptoms of multiple ­sclerosis, joint pain, anxiety and depression, along with a range of other conditions.

It is produced by Dutch firm Jacob Hooy and sales of it have gone up 37 per cent since it hit Holland & Barrett shelves. The popularity of it means that the chain will soon be adding four more cannabis oil products.

Holland & Barrett said: “‘We have been surprised at the success and popularity of CBD oil since its launch.

“We are constantly looking to bring new and innovative ­products to market that help our customers."

The oil is taken by applying a few drops under the tongue 2-3 times a day.